CLIA Cruise Conference
CLIA is an independent organisation that bring together cruise lines, travel agents and associated travel partners and are dedicated to the expansion of ocean and river cruise holidays.
My first cruise was on board a school cruise trip around Greece and Egypt when I was 12 years old. I’m not sure if that’s when I got a taste and love for luxury cruising, but it sure is when I decided how much I liked being at sea. The good thing about cruising from a young age is that I have never had that misconception that cruising is just for old people and all the other crazy things people used to think.
I have always said there is a cruise ship for everyone, but it is important to get the right one and that’s where training and ship visits come in. CLIA has fabulous training courses and webinars, so when I had the opportunity to take part in their conference I knew I couldn’t refuse.
I started the conference a day early with a Masterclass on board MSC Splendida. I have sailed and been on a few ship visits with MSC, but a long time ago, so I was looking forward to embarking. Splendida has a rich Mediterranean feel about her with some special touches including a Swarovski crystal staircase. We had a great lunch in a beautiful restaurant as well as watching a sample of the shows that are offered to the international guests that MSC attracts.
In the evening MSC hosted us at a local restaurant on the waterfront where we got to see Splendia sail away. The next day was an early start for the opening ceremony hosted by Andy Harmer, VP of CLIA UK and Ireland and Editor-in chief of Travel Weekly, they really are a brilliant double act. They gave us some great updates, facts and figures about the cruise industry.
We moved on to P&O Ventura for an interactive self-guided tour which included taking selfies and hashtags with the chance to win a two night cruise. I didn’t win, but I had a lot of fun especially when we met Marco Pierre White. I got a photo and a signed apron. He is a lovely man in person and very tall.
This evening was a trade fair and street party at the Mayflower Cruise Terminal, I never expected to be partying in the place I usually collect my case from after a cruise. It was a great chance to meet all the suppliers, make new contacts and find out new things happening. It was a long day, but an informative one.
Another day and another early start, today is the official conference with some great key note speakers. The big hitters of the cruise industry. Larry Pimentel also known as Luxury Larry from Azamara Club Cruises. The next one was my favourite Arnold Donald, Chief Executive of the Carnival Corporation, this man had us all hanging on his every word. Arnold Donald for US President! The whole day was a great and very inspirational.
The last evening of conference was a great night with the final of Princess Cruises ‘Voice of the Ocean’ competition being our entertainment. We voted for our favourite after then danced the night away.
The final day of CLIA conference was the show stopper as we spent the morning on board the brand new Harmony of the Seas. I did feel very lucky because as conference came to an end, I was able to wave off lots of my friends as I had won a two night cruise, so was staying on board. For more details and to hear what I thought of Harmony, see my other blog.